Burton: Dole cuts reflect ambition for young people

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has again defended cuts to the dole for under 26s, saying we have to be "more ambitious" for young people.

Minister Burton is putting laws through the Dáil today and tomorrow to give effect to the budgetary decisions in social welfare.

She said that she believes the cuts are absolutely right.

"We have to be more ambitious for our young people," she said.

"I'm making the changes relating to jobseeker's allowance for young people to place a greater emphasis on work, training and education supports rather than income supports.

"This will ensure that young people are always better off in education, employment, or training, than claiming."